DOVER -- The fire department and city council have made the first steps toward gaining new extrication equipment to increase survival and recovery rate of individuals involved in wrecks.

At the request of Dover Fire Chief John Taylor, the city council passed a resolution Tuesday night allowing the department to apply for a state matching grant to purchase new equipment.

The auto and building extrication equipment Taylor has requested is much needed, he said, because of the outdated equipment the department currently uses. He also explained to the council that the volunteer firefighters have been well-trained to rescue people involved in accidents, but cannot use their skills because they do not have adequate tools to do so.

"Our guys do a great job with what they've got to work with," Taylor said Tuesday. "But they are very limited to what they can do. This equipment would make us more self-sufficient."

Taylor further explained self-sufficiency within the department could mean the difference in life or death for a Dover area resident.

"If we can rescue a person in 10 minutes or less after a wreck, their chance of survival is greatly enhanced," Taylor said. "In fact, they are 70 percent more likely to recover. ... And that's what it's all about -- saving lives."

The grant would match nearly $12,000 the fire department has set aside for the equipment purchase if approved by the Arkansas Rural Development Commission. The deadline for the grant is March 24.

According to Taylor, the $12,000 the city has put aside to match the state's funds, if granted, was awarded to the city by State Rep. Stan Berry (R-Dover), State Sen. Sharon Trusty (R-Russellville), and a one-time state income turnback.

In other business:

Also Tuesday night, Police Chief Rodney Pfeifer told the council the city's new police car has still not arrived.

With the council's approval, he said, he would trade the older model, non-functional police car for work done on the police department's functioning car's transmission.

Utility Superintendent Yancy Poynter informed the council on the work his department did after recent storms blew through the area.

Fallen trees reportedly damaged a fence, picnic table, and other areas of the city park. He reported the area has been cleaned up.